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The 10 best horseback riding helmets to buy in the UK

Picture of a horseback riding helmet

Given that it can save your life, you always want to buy the best horseback riding helmet available. While all helmets offer some degree of protection, you also need to ensure you choose something that suits your size and is comfortable for long periods of riding, otherwise your just wasting your money. So, there are a few considerations you need to make before buying a good horseback riding helmet, which can make the process more challenging for first-time buyers. To help with this, check out the below buying guide, which covers all the information you need to know to find the best horseback riding helmets.

What are horseback riding helmets?

A horseback riding helmet, also called an equestrian helmet, is a type of protective headgear worn when horseback riding. The helmet is designed to protect the skull when riding a horse, which has numerous risks such as accidentally falling off the horse or even being struck in the head by the horse’s hoof.

Why should you buy a good horseback riding helmet?

Whether racing, eventing, show jumping, endurance riding or just taking the horse for a casual ride, you want the best equestrian helmet to ensure you are fully protected, should an accident occur. Similar to wearing bike helmets or ski helmets, horseback riding helmets are always recommended as even the best-trained and most experienced riders can have accidents. Putting their life in danger without adequate protection highlights the importance of proper riding gear like a helmet. In the case of horseback riding, this can be for example falling off or being thrown from the horse.

While not legally required for adults, it is common sense to use a helmet for the best protection possible when riding a horse given the safety risks.

How to choose the right horseback riding helmet in 2024?

Another picture of a horseback riding helmet

There are a few things you need to think about to ensure you find the best horseback riding helmet for your needs:

  • Size: The first thing you need to do is measure your head so you can find a suitable-sized helmet. Without the right fit, the helmet offers little protection, so it is vital to get the correct size, which is easy enough to do. Simply use a measuring tape around the head, placing it just above your eyebrows and ears so that it covers the largest area of the head. Compare this measurement to size guides, which are usually in inches or centimetres, to find the best helmet size.
  • Fit: Always consider the fit of the helmet before buying it. You want the helmet to be snug but not too much that it is uncomfortable, while anything too loose could result in it falling off, so finding a suitable fit is essential. It should sit just above your eyebrows covering the entire forehead without feeling too tight or loose - try shaking your head and if doesn’t move you should be fine.
  • Safety: Given that it is there to prevent serious injury, you want to ensure that the helmet has adequate safety standards in place. Most helmets come with safety standards that highlight the level of protection they offer, although these can vary from each region, so make sure to check what safety standards are included. For example, VGI is the safety standard by European countries, often indicated by a Kitemark or CE symbol.

What is the best kind of horseback riding helmet in the UK?

There are two best-selling types of horseback riding helmets:

  • Classic Riding Helmets: The classic design most are familiar with, this type of horseback riding helmet is the most widely used for recreational riding. It differs from the other type of helmet in that it has a peak, which is essentially a visor that keeps the sun out.
  • Skull Caps: This type of helmet is required for event riding and racing, with the lack of a peak offering improved visibility, making it the slightly safer option. While not essential for recreational riding, many prefer the lower-profile design.

Top 10 list of horseback riding helmets in the UK (2024)

The bestseller list compares brands and their horseback riding helmets. Which horseback riding helmet is the best?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of Manken  horseback riding helmet
Manken Equestrian Helmet Velvet Horse Riding Hat Sport Helmets with…
  • CE certification: Equestrian helmet passed quality safety test.
  • Ventilation system: Easy to head in motion to maintain comfortable breathable dr…
  • Removable lining and sweat chin pad: Adjustable padded chin strap, fast absorbent,…
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Offer TOP 2
Image of HKM HKM 4057052012136 horseback riding helmet
HKM 8162 Unisex New Flock Riding Helmet , Black, S=52-55cm
  • Comes in a polyester cloth bag.
  • Meets the VG1 01.040 2014-12 standard and is BSI tested.
  • With integrated ventilation holes at the front and back, as well as an integrated…
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TOP 3
Image of Shires  horseback riding helmet
Shires Karben Avena Riding Hat - Black 53-55cm
  • Front & Rear Vents
  • Micro Adjustable Dial System
  • Flexible Peak
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TOP 4
Image of Shires  horseback riding helmet
Shires Karben Valentina Riding Hat - Rose Gold 59-61cm
  • Fully Adjustable 4-Point Harness
  • Low Profile Forn
  • Front & Rear Vents
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TOP 5
Image of Comebachome OGTQHW241125NOYHUK horseback riding helmet
Horse Riding Helmet, Soft Padding Horse Riding Hat with Adjustable…
  • Quick-Release Buckle System: The easy-to-use buckle allows for fast removal and a…
  • Sweat-Absorbing Liner: The internal lining absorbs sweat efficiently and is removable…
  • Reliable Safety Protection: This Horse Riding Helmet features an integrated PC outer…
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TOP 6
Image of Shires  horseback riding helmet
Shires Karben Sienna Riding Hat - Navy Blue 56-58cm
  • Front & Rear Vents
  • Central Vented Panel
  • Chrome Accents
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TOP 7
Image of Dmuzsoih KIV72BF76D5CGLUQV0 horseback riding helmet
Horse Riding Hat - Breathable Horse Riding Helmet, Soft Padding Horse…
  • Unique Appeal -- Fashioned with a streamlined case, this equestrian safety hat embodies…
  • Extensive Use -- For horse riding, equestrian sports, snowboarding, and more, this…
  • Long-Distance Companion -- Designed for the dedicated equestrian, our Horse Riding…
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TOP 8
Image of John Whitaker RH054LXL07 horseback riding helmet
Whitaker Horizon Helmet, Black, 59-61
  • Breathable Lining
  • 59-61CM
  • Color: Black
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TOP 9
Image of Inzopo INZOPO3315 horseback riding helmet
Inzopo Adjustable Children's Riding Helmet Horse Sports Protective…
  • Suitable for head circumference 48–54cm. This product has be certification…
  • Has an adjustable chin strap that is fully padded and internally lined is easy to…
  • Adjustable size for tighten, to use a little dial at the back of the helmet can be…
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TOP 10
Image of Sosoport G3310JUEP4T009K horseback riding helmet
Sosoport Riding Helmet Equestrian Helmet Horse Riding Hat Sport Helmets…
  • Riding safety hat: The riding helmet is great suitable for horse riding, climbing,…
  • Adjustable: Adjustable breathable equestrian sports head guard with sturdy housing…
  • Sweat chin pad: This protective gear helmet is adjustable padded chin strap, fast…
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